OK, lets see if I can
make a regular go of this, or if I'll just loose interest as time
goes on.
I think I'll start with my most recently completed work, the RSM-106
Hizack. It's from Zeta Gundam, the first Gundam sequel, is which is
about a less apocalyptic, but dirtier war. Basically, after the
Federation beat Zeon, it got into some really bad habits, and the
sequel follows a rebellion against it, the Anti Earth Union Group
(AEUG). The thing about the Hizack is that there is basically no
justification for it that works in-universe. I could be wrong, there
was retcons, but still. The Hizack is a modernised version of the
Zaku 2, with the same colours. Fair enough, if it was a Zeon spinoff,
or even the AEUG, fielding it. Even with Zeon gone, there should be
loads of Zakus knocking about for rebels to use. Trouble is, it's the
Federation antagonists using this, and more specifically, The Titans.
Yes, the famously elitist, Earth-first, fuck-Zeon, Titans special
forces group use this thing. Seriously, guys, does this not get
confusing? Does friendly fire not happen? I mean, the regular
Federation forces at least paint the things blue, FFS. And what's
more, isn't this thing technically obsolete versus the GM series you
already have? Those can at least carry two beam weapons at once. It's
not like you captured these, and went "waste not, want not".
That happens in war a lot. No, somebody in the Federation decided to
make thier own, seemingly leaving the design unmodified, and then
gave the most Zeonic version to the guys specifically about killing
Zeon stragglers. Was this a dark joke? The only credible explanation
is that Sunrise/Bandai realised the Zaku 2 was a popular design, and
wanted another, BUT also refused to let it be heroic.
Either
that, or someone asked the Titans "Are we the baddies?" and
they gave the hardest yes they could.
Anyways. Actually putting it together was quite simple, although this probably has more to do with its "2000" stamp on the runners, than any deliberate design choice. It's mainly matter of joining two parts to form a body part, very easy, but this produces many longitudinal seams, with articulation being basic to solid. I also found the process of separating parts from the sprue to be a consistent ball-ache, with unavoidable stubs appearing in obvious places like the top of the head. The golden tubes were also unfun, being made of a rubbery plastic you have to bend, so maybe a bit of glue, there. On the plus side, the Hizack easily benefited from several basic touch-up techniques, being my first test subject for a Gundam Marker. That, and a Nuln Oil wash for the cables, really brought things to life. Mephiston Red was also used to finish the gunsight, and stickers for the monoeye was applied, although not the feet as I felt it was unnecessary. Yeah, I could paint some bits of the feet and backpack, but picking out those details would undermine the military green. I probably need to go back and do the star on that shield though.
Despite my posing of
it, its not actually possible for the Hizack to make use of the side
handle on its machine gun. This would require some cutting of the
component, and that's a bit of a shame, as otherwise the posability
of the kit isn't bad. Certainly does “imposing grunt” well
enough, and I'm possibly answering my own question with that. Also, I suppose he'd do well with a beam saber. If he came with
one...
Generally, I'm pleased
with how it turned out, but I'm disappointed with with the lack of
weapon options, and was a little tetchy during assembly.
No comments:
Post a Comment